Enterprise Nation Launches Business Funding Campaign

With the Government’s Growth Voucher Scheme due to come to an end on March 31st, Enterprise Nation who currently administer the scheme are campaigning for a continued advice programme for small & medium businesses.

The scheme has been successful and despite the closing date of 31st March demand has continued to grow. To make an application before the 31st March click here.

Enterprise Nation wants to continue to build and improve on the current Growth Voucher scheme with the introduction of Enterprise Vouchers.

They are calling on the big 6 energy firms to unlock funds held in closed business accounts to fund the Enterprise Voucher programme.

The Enterprise Voucher scheme would follow the same model of up to £2000 matched funding for businesses to obtain strategic business advice. However, unlike the Growth Voucher scheme it would not be a lottery. It is proposed that providing the qualification criteria is met, then funding would be approved. The qualifying criteria would be similar to the Growth Voucher scheme and vouchers would be limited to 1 per company.

In order to receive an Enterprise Voucher businesses will have to meet the criteria as follows:

Have 249 employees or fewer (including any employees of companies that own a stake in your business)
Be registered in the UK (including Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland)
actively sell goods or services
Be independent (ie no more than 25% is owned by other businesses or organisations)
Have a turnover of less than €50 million

The categories for strategic advice proposed are slightly different too.

Going and Growing Online
Helping businesses to get online or support existing online traders to grow through maximising the potential of digital tools and technologies.

Going Global
Helping business to expand into new markets and territories. The advice may focus on market research, Product Development, Translation Strategies, Workforce Planning, or operations strategies.

Selling to big brands (retailers and government)
Advice in this area aims to help businesses develop effective marketing and pitching strategies, and to ensure that they provide the right product/service at the right price, in the right place, at the right time.

Hiring people and developing as a leader
Advice in this area aims to help business owners develop their strategy and vision, and how to build and improve leadership and management potential, ensuring you have the right people with the right skills to help your business grow.

For more information on the proposed scheme visit the Enterprise Nation site.

WSI eMarketing are an approved supplier for Marketing and Digital Technologies strategic advise under the Growth Voucher scheme. If you want more help get in touch.